Mathematical language can heighten the imagery of a poem; mathematical structure can deepen its effect. Feast here on an international menu of poems made rich by mathematical ingredients . . . . . . . gathered by JoAnne Growney.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Horizon line

Poet James Galvin often uses mathematical imagery in his poems.

Art Class by James Galvin Let us begin with a simple line, Drawn as a child would draw it, To indicate the horizon, More real than the real horizon, Which is less than line, Which is visible abstraction, a ratio.

The line ravishes the page with implications Of white earth, white sky!

The horizon moves as we move, Making us feel central. But the horizon is an empty shell—

Strange radius whose center is peripheral. As the horizon draws us on, withdrawing, The line draws us in,

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JoAnne Growney is available for presentations -- readings, workshops, interactive lectures -- and collaborations. For information about her collaborative activities (art-poetry, math-poetry, translation), publications, and so on -- visit https://joannegr.dot5hosting.com/.